By Stephanie McLain, Claims Adjuster
Rain waters the crops, grows the flowers, and floods the rivers. That almost all sounded really pleasant. Rain is a necessity for life, but it can also cause disaster. Flooding is often thought to be a slow rising process similar to watching lava slowly roll along. However, flooding can occur almost instantly– thus the term flash flooding was coined. Even if it’s not raining in your area, rain in another area or previous rain can trigger flooding. Since it is impossible to stop the flood, the best option is to be prepared.
As with any major emergency, your household should have a flood plan. You should look to your local community for information on the flood risk to your area. You may even discover that your town has a local flood plan as well. Local authorities may be able to provide information about relocation routes and centers in flood prone areas. You should also call your insurance agent and see if he/she sells flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program so that if/when disaster strikes, you’re not stuck paying 100% out of pocket trying to piece your home back together. More information about the National Flood Insurance Program can be found at www.floodsmart.gov.
A great way to prepare for any emergency is to have an emergency kit. This will need to be tailored to your family and their needs. For a list of items, go to www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.
If a flood is likely and you’ve been given advance notice to evacuate, do so before the flood comes. It is very dangerous to drive through water across roadways. If you’d like to try and reduce damages to your property, you can move items to the highest point possible in your home, turn off gas, electricity, and water, and secure loose objects.
Take care of yourself, your pets, and check on your neighbors. Floods can be devastating in a flash and many are underprepared when they occur.
Recovery after a flood is possible. There are many things that you can do to get things underway. Check with authorities before returning home to make sure that you take an approved route, and that it’s clear to return. Be safe this spring!
Stephanie McLain
Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster
When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.